Dialogues on Democracy by Maskivker, Julia;

Short description:

A panoramic overview of recent and classical debates on the meaning of democracy as a philosophical ideal. A perfect introduction to the philosophical analysis of democracy, Maskivker also offers her own novel insights regarding the value of democracy and its distinct interpretations.

Long description:

Dialogues on Democracy offers a panoramic overview of recent and classical debates on the meaning of democracy as a philosophical ideal. It features some of the most central discussions that exist in the literature regarding its value, its purpose, and its (possible) flaws.

Accessibly written and efficiently organized, the book is structured around a fictional conversation involving four participants: a teacher of philosophy and political theory and three of her most notable and dedicated students. Their dialogues capture the essence of some of the most powerful objections and counter objections to democracy and its institutions, allowing the reader to understand the origins and logic of much philosophical thinking concerned with political life. Maskivker provides succinct but highly informative arguments in defense of democracy while deftly addressing serious questions regarding its legitimacy coming from diverse corners of the ideological spectrum. The discussion addresses issues concerned with the justification and institutional plausibility of collective government, citizen equality, political representation, citizen action, civic virtue, and many other themes.

Perfectly suited for a first introduction to the philosophical analysis of democracy, the book covers extensive ground in an instructive and dynamic way. In the book, Maskivker also offers her own novel insights regarding the value of democracy and its distinct interpretations –  a contribution that makes the book all the more interesting and complete.

Key Features:

• Introduces important thinkers in the contemporary debate about theories of democracy


• Assumes no background knowledge of philosophy or political theory


• Written in an engaging dialogue format between four fictional characters: a teacher of philosophy and political theory and three of her most notable and dedicated students.

"…Julia Maskivker’s dialogue is so vital. It introduces the leading criticisms of democracy and canvases the main lines of democracy’s defense. It provides the conceptual tools for thinking critically about democracy. More importantly, it does not seek to terminate the discussion. It leaves us with the sense that the critical questions are still worth exploring. Yet, at the end of the day, we are also brought to the realization that, indeed, debating democracy is part of democracy’s spirit." - Robert B. Talisse, from the Foreword

Table of Contents:

Foreword by Robert B. Talisse  1. Setting The Stage: Arguments for Democracy and Criticisms   2. Can a Democratic Community Self-Govern?  3. Is Democracy Necessary for Equality and Respect?  4. Democratic Duties and Ideals of Good Citizenship  5. Concluding Thoughts.  List of Suggested Further Readings  Index